Category Archives: 24 Hour Dentist In Los Angeles

Tooth Discoloration Causes and Treatment

Dental Care is Equal to Healthy Teeth

Each smile is unique. People have different standards of what a perfect smile looks like but most of the time it involves the uniformity of the teeth, absence of tooth decay and cavities, and most especially it needs to be as white as pearl and even whiter if possible. Possessing whiter teeth give people an extra boost of confidence and lift their mood. This fondness and in some ways obsession over white teeth pushes people to put so much effort on taking care of their teeth.

For some reason, even if you brush, floss and use teeth whitening products, your teeth still turn yellowish or darken. Here are some of the causes and ways to manage teeth discoloration to improve your smiles.

Food and drinks. Your teeth’s enamel is definitely subject to wear and tear every day. Coffee lovers may have the benefits of fighting plaque causing bacteria but on the other hand, coffee stains the teeth making them darker. The same story goes, for tea, soda, wines, certain foods and vegetables that are highly pigmented. The best way to avoid teeth staining is to limit the consumption of these food and drinks or use straws to limit the contact of foods and drinks to your teeth.

Smoking and tobacco use. Smokers are known for their dark and plaque ridden teeth. The chemicals in cigarette and tobacco also cause the tooth’s enamel to erode exposing more yellow colored teeth. It would be advisable to quit chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes to avoid teeth staining.

Poor dental hygiene. The habits mentioned above like eating and drinking teeth staining foods as well as smoking paired up with poor dental hygiene can cause havoc to your dental health. Neglecting dental hygiene can not only make your teeth look darker but also cause dental problems like tooth decay, plaque and gum disease. You should always brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash to get rid of bacteria and food stains that stick on your tooth’s enamel.

Medication. Some medications cause teeth staining. There are antibiotics that discolor the teeth. People with health conditions often have discolored teeth because of the prescribed medication for them like antihistamines, antipsychotic, and antihypertensive drugs. You can always ask your 24 hour dentist Los Angeles for options if you want to whiten your teeth but be sure to inform your dentist of your health condition and the medications that you use.

Aging. Older people have teeth discoloration caused by the accumulated stains and the state of their tooth’s enamel over the course of time. They have to take extra care of their natural teeth as they are more prone to staining and tooth decay. A regular dental visit and good dental habits would help lighten stained teeth.

There are plenty of options and ways to take better care of your smiles. Teeth discoloration is caused by many factors. The most important thing to remember is to just always make a conscious effort to have good dental habits and have regular visits to the dentist to avoid dark teeth.

Dental Visit Tips for the Elderly

What Counts to Elderly?

Dental care habits are introduced early on in our lives. This is to make sure that at a young age we could protect our teeth and gums and develop these habits as we get older. All of these efforts aim to give you healthy teeth and gums when you reach your senior years. Just like your body, your teeth also ages, thus, dental care treatments are needed to maintain and secure your oral health. Dental appointments help a lot in letting you know the current status of your dental health and the damage that foods and habits have done in the course of time.

Your oral health affects your overall health in so many ways as infections can start from the mouth and travel down to various organs of the body. Gum diseases, in particular, can affect the heart through the bloodstream that often leads to heart diseases. Bacteria can burrow down on gums through abrasions of poorly fitted dentures in seniors that can eventually reach the blood flow. It can also affect the lungs that can increase the chances of pneumonia which is a serious concern especially when you’re a senior.

Dental appointments play a big role in keeping the oral health and overall health of seniors in many ways. Prevention of the diseases mentioned earlier is the best way to avoid them. If you’re elderly and wishes to go to a dental appointment, here is a list of things to remember or bring with you to achieve a comfortable visit.

Medical History. This form would be sent to you to fill out before your appointment or would be filled out on the office on the day of the appointment. This form would ask for your medical history and should be filled out as honestly as possible. You would have to provide information about medications, surgeries, drug allergies and other medical issues that you have had.

Medications. Keep a list of all your medications in handy to give the staff of walk in dental offices an idea of procedures or treatments that are not advisable for you. You can write down or bring along prescriptions of over-the-counter drugs as well as vitamins and supplements that you are taking. Be sure to write down your doctor’s name and the complete specification of each medication or vitamins.

Physical Examination Record. You can bring a copy of the most recent physical exam from your doctor.

Names and phone numbers. Like mentioned earlier, you have to make a list of names of your doctors or specialist as well as your family members and their contact information for the healthcare & dental details.

Dental Concerns. You can also make a list of all your dental problems that need immediate attention. This will help you not to forget them when you get to the dental office.

For people with memory issues, making a list ahead of the appointment would help a lot. This would also lessen the anxiety for seniors in the dentist’s office.

Dental Health: The White Wine Effect

White-ish Perks of White Wines

Just like your favorite foods the drinks and beverages that you sip throughout the day can affect your pearly whites. Your food choices can make or break your dental health. This is because foods and drinks pass through the mouth and come in direct contact with your teeth and gums.

Enjoying a glass of white wine seems to be a better choice over red wine. You may think that its color makes it more teeth friendly but sad to say you have to think again. Here is a list of reasons white wine can pose serious damage to your teeth. Remember your enamel should be strong and it should withstand all the drinks and food you throw along its way. With the help of your 24 hour dentist LA, you can continue your dental care regimen on a daily basis.

Teeth Staining. Red wines can cause direct discoloration and staining to teeth enamel due to its rich pigment but the acidity of white wine can cause more staining in the long run. Like mentioned earlier, the acidity of white wine can cause significant damage to your tooth’s enamel making it more susceptible to staining agents like foods and drinks. The weaker your enamel is, the faster your teeth get stained.

All hope isn’t lost for the white wine lover though. There are tricks to lessen the harmful effects it can do to your teeth. You can drink your favorite vino and chew on some cheese to promote saliva production. Saliva plays a big role in keeping the ph balance of the mouth and lower down the acidic levels. You can also drink water in between sips of wine to wash away wine residue in the mouth and your teeth. You should never forget to brush your teeth before going to bed to make sure your teeth are clean and safe from acid residues. Be sure not to brush directly after drinking your wine because the enamel is sure to be softened at that point. Brushing would only worsen the tooth erosion.

Tooth erosion is a natural event especially in times of eating and drinking.  Enjoying life’s guilty pleasures help you live a happier life. Just be sure to do your dental care routines regularly and eat balanced meals to make up for cheat days.

Dentists help you achieve the kind of oral health you need. Although there are home-care remedies for your teeth and gums, it pays to seek professional help from a dentist. Dentists will educate you about dental care and bad oral habits that could result in dental problems. These habits however involve white wines. Nonetheless, dentists don’t forbid you from quitting abruptly. Besides toning down your white wine intake, dentists provide distractions that can help you control your thirst towards this drink.

It may not be as easy as pie but dental care plays a vital role in our lives. The more you resist from this just so you can continue your white wine habit, the more you become prone from dental issues. No need to fret though if you have oral issues. Dentistry has gone through major advancements now.

Whole Grain Benefits: Corn and Dental Health

Whole grain crops have long been praised because of its excellent nutrients that help your body. One crop that is widely produced in America that contains a lot of dental benefits is corn.

Corns are can be seen in various forms. You can enjoy it as syrup, on a cob or the all-time favorite of movie goers, popcorn. This snack is considered whole grain as its cereal germ, bran and endosperm are intact that contains all the dental health benefits. It is packed with vitamins and minerals more than the usual cereal grains in the market.

Corn can offer you a lot of health benefits. Apart from being a tasty snack, it is a valuable crop packed with a lot of healthy features. The list that follows is among the nutrients found in corn that enhances your dental health.

Wholesome Perks of Whole Grain

Fiber. The dietary fiber found in corn helps maintain the gums and teeth. It can help in taking away plaque formation. Plus boosting production of saliva to wash away the acidity in the mouth. Fiber is an effective way of polishing your teeth and scraping off plaque.

Thiamin. This vitamin helps in tissue maintenance and the sure prevention of irritation of the tongue and other oral tissues. It also aids in boosting the immune system and preventing the odds of gum disease. Together with the other B vitamins, this helps in various organs and body functions in the body.

Phosphorus. This mineral, together with calcium, help you have strong teeth and bones. It aids in absorbing calcium into bones and teeth. This makes your enamel and jaw bones stronger to keep your teeth in place. Phosphorus can help avoid loose teeth and gum diseases.

Vitamin C. Corn can give you a boost in your immune system. This helps your teeth and gums in the attack of bacteria or gum diseases. The deficiency in vitamin C could make you prone to infections and inflammations.

Antioxidants. Corn has zeaxanthin, lutein, anthocyanins and ferulic acid that serve as antioxidants. These ward off cancer cells and other harmful free radicals that cause cancer.

Polyphenols. Corn also has polyphenols that help manage inflammations on tissues. This helps to kill bacteria that cause most cases of periodontal diseases. It will definitely be a great line of defense for your gum health.

Magnesium. This mineral plays a lot of roles in the body. Most of its functions are on the muscles, heart and your immune system. This plays a big role in the bone formation as well as it boosts your immune system to avoid tooth decay and gum diseases.

The health benefits of corn would make you love them even more. Some of which may come as a surprise. This would be a great way of introducing whole grain foods to your diet in addition to other healthy fruits and vegetables to have a balanced diet. Use the power of corn alongside dental care regimen and oral hygiene practices to have healthier teeth and gums.

Of course, do not forget adding on your dental care list the need to visit the dental clinic LA.

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Common Snacks You Thought Were Healthy

There are branded products that carry all the necessary nutrients and vitamins which your body need. The popularity of these healthy foods you like to snack on may deceive you from their true colors. Many snacks that are so-called the healthier choice are not what they claim to be.

Snacks to Ponder

Granola Bars. Mixed oats, nuts, and fruits are all too promising and in fact healthy. But the common granola bar you consume comes with sugar, corn syrup and hydrogenated vegetable oils that make them sweet and tasty. These bars do not differ from candy bars and sodas in the sugar content. And like these sweet treats, granola bars pose a big threat to the health of your teeth. The high fructose corn syrup makes all the difference and makes the supposed healthy ingredients to be unhealthy. Be sure to look at labels and prepare yourself for the sugar loaded content of granola bars. The sugar sticks to your tooth and becomes a feeding ground for the bacteria that cause plaque and tooth decay. Just because the box tells you that it’s whole-wheat and they have fruits added into it don’t mean it comes with a variety of nutrients and minerals. It would be better if you make your own granola bars to make sure you have total control of the sugar content of your snacks.

Good vs Bad Food Choices

Fruit Juices. The common juice boxes can offer you small percentages of vitamins and fiber but aside from that, it can load you up with so much sugar it rivals sodas. The acidity of fruit juices also is a leading cause of tooth erosion making your teeth sensitive to certain temperatures. It’s best to just avoid fruit juices you see on in stores and drink water. If you really can’t stay away from your juice drink, you can use straws to limit the contact of the juice to your teeth.

Frozen yogurt. Yogurts are popular dairy products which most walk in dental offices recommend because of its calcium and other mineral contents. Plus the probiotics that help our teeth and bones stay strong and healthy. This is true for Greek yogurts that are plain and were extracted from cows that were raised without the antibiotics and growth hormones; unlike the cows that the commercialized yogurts are made from. The flavors and sweeteners are staining your teeth and are more harmful than healthful. The toppings of these desserts are also packed with sugar like chocolate and sprinkles. Even the fruit variety is loaded with sugar. If you want to help protect your teeth and enjoy the real benefits of yogurt, be sure to buy the Greek and plain variety. Add this on your favorite fresh fruits for flavor.

You have to watch out for the foods you eat as it will definitely affect the health of your teeth. The main concern of dentists are foods are projected as healthy for your teeth and body but actually aren’t. Always be cautious on labels and sugar portions of your food for healthier teeth.

Xylitol: Preventing Cavities Never Tasted So Sweet

The pursuit to add more sugary and sinful delights unto our daily lives has been one of the unhealthiest vices of the modern day man. Ever since the demand for sugary treats fluctuated, various products that tickle the taste buds were made. Sadly, this caused more damage to our dental and overall health, as per proved by 24 hour dentist around Los Angeles. Warnings about our intake and consumption of starchy and sugar-rich foods were set aside as people blindly purchase and consume quick fixes. Brushing off the effects on our dental health does not change the fact that it does. All hope is not lost though as people have looked for a more natural alternative to satisfy that sugar fix that all of us definitely crave for. The answer of experts to it is xylitol.

Experts find xylitol a unique sugar additive. It has the same qualities of sugar and taste like it as well. Being natural makes it low on calories and absorbability like normal nutrients would enter the body. The potential of it as a sugar substitute on products is limitless that it is used on several products. Most dentists would advise patients to use products with xylitol knowing and in full confidence that their patients would benefit from it.

Tooth decay is caused by plaque that the bacteria streptococcus mutans create. Plaque sticks to the teeth and produces acids that eventually damage the tooth causing tooth decay. Although it is quite normal to have plaques, a severe proportion of plaque accumulation is quite dreadful. Inflammation would result as the body’s normal reaction to infections. The gums would suffer greatly and put you at greater risk of gum disease. The bacteria feed mainly on glucose from the food that we eat but they cannot feed on xylitol. When we replace the use of sugar with xylitol, the amount of sugar that fuels the harmful bacteria significantly drops. Using xylitol would essentially clog the energy pathway of the bacteria thus hampering its sugar metabolism making it starve to death. Inhibiting the sugar consumption of the bacteria slowly killing it would mean that fewer decay-causing bacteria would be able to survive on the tooth surfaces.

It has been proven that by replacing your daily consumption of sugar with xylitol, the risk of having dental problems is significantly lower. The drop in the acidity promotes the growth of the natural bacteria found in our mouth.  Xylitol can also balance the alkalinity of our saliva. This helps fight acid driven degradation of tooth enamel. It also encourages mineral-rich saliva to flow into the mouth that helps protect and re-mineralize teeth by repairing the deep layers of the enamel.

It is essential that we look out for our oral health and prevent cavities. Among the many benefits of xylitol, reducing plaque and gum infection would definitely lower the risk of many chronic diseases and would benefit the rest of the body as well. Conscientiously choosing better options for our pearly whites has now become easier and sweeter.

A variety of sugar-free chewing gums may also add your taste of improving oral health. Talk to your dentist and find out what suits your needs.

Preserving Nutrient Content of Foods for Better Oral Health

We often look at our meals and not see beyond the plate served in front of us. The preparation and cooking of food have influenced most of our preference and eating habits. These habits affect our dental health as we consume foods that are, one way or the other, causing oral health risks.

Most of the foods we eat are processed and manufactured whether we like it or not. Most of these foods cause tooth decay and gum problems due to their preparation and content. Manufactured foods mean well when they prepare foods in a way they kill the microbes that cause diseases and preserve food longer than their natural shelf life. The products of processed foods last longer and free from harmful bacteria but lacks the nutrients and vitamins that our bodies need.  This is because vitamins and minerals are not stable and cooking in high temperatures strip them off of our foods.

Here are some ways you can keep the nutritional value of foods to help give your dental protection from bacteria and cavities.

For healthy and safe food. You should handle food in the most hygienic and properly manner as possible.  When you buy foods, always look at labels on their proper storage procedures. You should also limit adding sugar, salt and fat to the foods that you buy.

Flavor and taste. Instead of adding salt and sugars that can damage your teeth, you can use herbs and spices as well as stocks. These alternatives are plant-based and are healthy ways of introducing your family to a new variety of taste that’s full of healing properties and is packed with taste.

Cooking methods. If you have to cook fruits and vegetables, you should cook them just in time to serve them. You can Blanche vegetables to bring out their bright color yet cooked enough not to strip off the vitamins and minerals it has to offer. Tender cuts of meat can be braised or stewed in liquid very slowly. And if you choose to stir-fry fresh meat, fish, and vegetables, always use a small amount of oil and keep a high flame in a shorter period.

Preparing nutritious meals can be tricky sometimes. Walk in dentist stated the key idea is that the lesser amount of cooking time would mean more nutrient value for the meal you’re cooking. You have to be more conscientious in choosing ways to treat your food to get the best value of what you’re paying.

Your oral health is dependent in the food you eat and the diet that you follow. Consuming foods with added sugar and salt or oil would risk your dental health and your body from having weight problems and cavities or periodontal diseases.

Dentists warn us of sugary treats but it is a growing concern that food preparation and cooking methods are attributing to dental problems. Help yourself to a more healthy and nutritious meal each time. Start with sugar-free food products or items.

Portion Size Control and its Oral Health Benefits

You are often told in many instances that bigger is better. People prefer a bigger television, a bigger house, a bigger serving of cake and pies, and a bigger glass of wine and so on. But for your body and dental health, bigger is not always better.

The portion sizes in restaurants and food places get bigger and bigger without you noticing it. There is a big demand for larger serving sizes yet nutritional values drop. Your eating habits are being changed overnight due to the unwavering allure of advertisements you see on ads for food cravings you didn’t know you had.

The foods we eat are the source for our body’s nutrition and energy. Without it, all cellular functions would stop. Extra nutrients and carbohydrates are stored in your body as fat so you could tap in them whenever you go to any rigorous activities and need energy.

The foods served in today’s modern society are of large proportions that our bodies find it hard to keep up. Too much food is consumed in a day that stored fat is getting thicker in a day. The regular consumption of foods in large amounts leads to weight gain and obesity for some. Obesity is also related to oral health problems like plaque and dental carries due to large amounts of added sugar to the meals.

The best way to stop putting on the weight or prevent it is to learn to control portion sizes. A task that is hard to do especially nowadays that we don’t even know what a descent portion size look like. It may sound like a great feat to overcome the world’s food stigma but slow and steady steps go a long way.

Plate. The plates of many restaurants are getting bigger and serving sizes do too. The key to control your portion size would be to buy a new plate. Buy a small plate. You should always eat on your plate and not on the package of the food itself. This makes you see the amount of serving that you are having.

Map. Make your plate like a map with different countries with their corresponding borders. Based on 24 hour dentist LA, you can start off with assigning one quarter to have lean meat and call it the lean meat country. The next quarter, with whole carbs or the whole-grained carbohydrates that are less on added sugar and rich in fiber. The remaining half of your plate should be filled with crispy leafy greens. These greens help in boosting immunity and brushes away bad bacteria.

Always remember that portion sizes are important to lessen the amount of food intake, but food choice are key to making this portion size control work. Don’t skip major meals and snack on plant based foods in small portions to avoid over eating in the next meal.

The choice of food together with right portion control can help your weight issues and dental health so much. Be brave to try fruits and vegetables to add variety to your meals. Simple steps should be taken one day at a time for the road to perfect dental and body health.

Relax Dental Health thru Dental Spas

It’s not bad to let yourself feel good. Most especially if this involves your teeth and entire oral health. That is why dentists in dental clinics in LA developed dental spas. A dental spa is a kind of establishment that works to provide full relaxation of teeth, gums and entire oral health.

Courtesy of modern dentistry, men and women can now experience leisure while acquiring the appropriate treatment for their oral health. Dental spa is one of its fruits. A dental spa is a recreational activity that most patients do in their free time or in times when they want their oral health to relax. Dental spas are as accessible as your dentist every six months. While some of these firms don’t offer much dental care services and solely focus on one category, there are remaining dental spas that offer wide range services. According to research, dental spas can offer leisure related to preventive, restorative, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic dental services. Since the primary goal of this institution is to provide relaxation, people with dental anxiety can enjoy its full service.

Individuals who suffer from dental anxiety and fear have high regards towards dental-related matters. They are extremely sensitive and difficult to please. Anxious patients can relish a dental service offered by dental spas. Dental spas contain soothing environment will let you stay calm and enjoy music and scents of lavender throughout the day.

Dental spas are what most dentists called as the one-stop health shops. Patients who go to this type of place obtain access to different relaxation services. They can directly made contact with professional health experts, including dental hygienists, acupuncturist, masseuse and aesthetician. The prices depend on what treatment you requested. Regardless of what treatment you desire, dental spas ensure 100% relaxation to dental patients. Similar with dental offices, this place highly utilizes the most advanced dental technology. Therefore, expect full application of the latest dental care services. Granted that dental technology now comes with improved comfort and less hassle, your hours spent in a dental spa is surely worth it. And though it comes with a high price or fee, there are packages you can opt for. These dental packages will give you comfort without squandering big bucks! What’s more, dental spas now accept dental insurance! Yes, dental patients who applied for dental plans or insurance can include dental spas.

Modern dentistry truly did a great job for developing dental spas across the world. However, learn that these institutions only are a part of dental care. Dental care is a preventive technique composed of different dental strategies. Thus, avoid treating dental spas as a substitute to your good oral hygiene regimen. Dentists can help you with finding the most ideal dental spas. More so, they offer different avenues and platforms that will improve your daily oral hygiene routines.

If you think your oral health needs a break, you can go to a dental spa. Be sure that institution offers trusted dental care services. You can seek referrals of trusted dental spas with your personal dental specialist.

Overcome Tooth Pain thru Root Canal Treatment

According to many after hours dental clinics, tooth pain occurs and recurs. This experience tends to sensationalize by many which leaves them highly cautious of what they eat. Although it’s a great thinking, a lot of people do its exact opposite. That’s because they consider this problem as a normal reaction or instance to human beings. That’s how cavities made their way to the most undesired dental problem in the world. Besides causing pain, they attack anyone regardless of age and gender.

The great news, however, you can now get over with dramatizing tooth pain. All thanks to dental technology and the people behind who developed the advanced and newest root canal treatment. With the use of laser technology, people who suffer from pain due to cavities can now make the most of this newest therapy. It comes with unlimited comfort with zero chances of discomfort and pain. Dental professionals highly utilize this treatment especially to patients who have dental anxiety. We all know this condition triggers panic and high-amount of sensitivity to patients.

Popularly known as laser root canal therapy, the treatment comes with a parallel beam of intense light that can clean root canals and remove infection. Tooth pain is the primary reaction of a decayed tooth. People who experience this type of infection carry a tooth filled with bad bacteria. Laser root canal therapy can melt the debris found in your tooth. This reduces bacteria and eliminates infection. Unlike the traditional root canal treatment, this therapy involves thorough cleaning routines with a less amount of time on a dental chair and zero chances of pain during the procedure. The commonest laser root canal treatment is the WaterLase Dental Laser developed by Biolase Technologies. This innovative technique has a laser and high-pressure water system that can eliminate dead tissues, including also the infections found in your root canals. The laser used of this device can go through porous tubules of your canals. With this, you can eliminate bacteria without damaging the tissues surrounding it.

Laser root canal treatment has lesser adverse reactions compared with the traditional. It enhances every dentist’s way of cleaning the canals. Since laser dentistry dislikes discomfort and pain to dental patients, it ensures you experience no slight pain with or without local anesthesia. Nevertheless, laser root canal treatment usually involves no local anesthesia. This is how trustworthy the therapy is. And unlike the conventional root canal, WaterLase can reach the unreachable areas. This makes the tool twice beneficial compared to the standard.

Regardless if you choose the traditional or the latest laser root canal, these two therapies work to achieve one goal and that is to ensure you save your tooth. The treatment functions to eliminate whatever that’s causing you and your tooth pain.

Although root canal treatment today is extremely advantageous, bear in mind that nothing beats dental care and preventive dentistry tips. Dentistry considers preventive dentistry as the most affordable, convenient and efficient means against all sorts of dental problems, including tooth pain.